Prevalence and associated factors of Internet gaming disorder among secondary school students in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand

Abstract

Introduction According to the APA, Internet gaming disorder is an emerging disorder that warrants further research. Studies on Internet gaming disorder has revealed its association with psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress. The risk factors have also been identified such as being male. Despite the studies conducted in various countries, research on internet gaming disorder among the Thai population is still scarce. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of internet gaming disorder among Thai secondary school students. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted during December 2017–January 2018 among 12 secondary schools in Chachoengsao province, Thailand. Participants completed a self-administered standardized questionnaire consisting of 4 sections; General characteristics, Internet gaming disorder, Mood disorder screening (depression, anxiety and stress), Cyberbullying and Traditional bullying. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significantly associated factors of Internet gaming disorder. Results Out of 5497 participants the prevalence of IGD-20 positive is 5.4%. The significantly associated factors of Internet gaming disorder identified are male gender (OR = 1.4), not living with both parents (OR = 1.75), use of online dating (OR = 1.533), being bullied at school (OR = 1.514), depression (OR = 1.922), anxiety (OR = 1.616) and stress (OR = 3.566) after being adjusted for age, gender, family composition, failure of an exam, limit of internet use, use of online dating, bully perpetration, bully victimization, cyber bully perpetration, cyber bully victimization, suicidal ideation, use of alcohol, depression, anxiety, stress and type of school. Conclusion Although the prevalence of Internet gaming disorder among Thai secondary school students may not be high when compared to other countries, the global trend shows a continuous increase in prevalence. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken. Interventions should be targeted particularly at those with increased risk of developing the disorder.